Mormugao Port is symbol of India’s maritime strength: Vice-President

VASCO

Lauding Mormugao Port as a symbol of India’s maritime strength and a beacon of sustainable progress, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday said the port plays a vital role in Goa’s economy and contributes to India’s trade and industrial development.

Dhankhar was addressing a function organised by the Mormugao Port Authority in Vasco after dedicating the 3MW Solar Power Plant (Rs 18 crore), the commercial operation of two Harbour mobile cranes on Berths 10 and 11 (Rs 100 crore), and JSW’s covered dome for coal-handling (Rs 165 crore) to the nation.

Others present on the occasion included Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, and Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavde.

Speaking further, Dhankhar said the Mormugao Port is a leading iron ore exporting port in India, handling a significant portion of the country’s total iron and also handles other cargo, including coal, fertilisers, and general cargo.

Highlighting the significance of the Mormugao Port, the Vice-President said the Port is a prime location for exporting iron ore to international markets. 

Stating that the inauguration of the new infrastructure at Mormugao Port would boost economic growth, Dhankhar said the newly inaugurated three projects costing around Rs 300 crore indicates the vision of the Government to strengthen infrastructure and enhance mechanisation for ports in the country.

The Vice-President said the Government under the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 intends  to build world-class ports, thereby strengthening India’s Blue Economy, and ensure sustainable growth. This bold plan includes Rs 80 lakh crore in investments and creation of 4 crore new jobs he informed.

Dhankar further said India  is witnessing a leap in maritime progress which has been remarkable in the last 10 years which has elevated India's position in world trade.

Earlier, Dhankhar along with his wife Dr Sudesh Dhankhar and other dignitaries planted a sapling under the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ in the premises.

Others present on the occasion included MLAs Sankalp Amonkar and Daji Salkar, Secretary (Ports, Shipping and Waterways) T K Ramachandran, MPA Chairperson Dr N Vinodkumar, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus, officials of MPA and Coast Guard.

During an address to officers of the Indian Coast Guard, the Vice President lauded their critical role in protecting the country’s maritime and ecological frontiers.

“You guard coral reefs, mangroves and marine life. You are a force of steel, strategy and conscience,” he said.

The Vice President, who is on a three-day visit to Goa, will continue his engagements in Goa on Thursday, when he is scheduled to unveil statues of ancient Indian medical pioneers Acharya Charaka and Sage Susruta at Raj Bhavan.

He will also visit the ICAR Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI) to interact with scientists and researchers.